Continuing education for oncology nurses.

Abstract

Continuing education plays a key role in the development of the expert oncology nurse. It also is the primary way to help maintain and expand the nurse's expertise. This paper uses the nursing process as the framework for discussion of the development of continuing education activities. Assessing learners' needs is necessary for the development of programs that are learner responsive. Program planning is a multistep process that includes determining priorities, purposes and objectives, instructional methods, resources, budget, and evaluation criteria. A wide range of instructional methods can be considered for program implementation. Evaluation may be conducted at several levels of program development and outcome. Each of these areas is an important component in the success of program development.